Wellington North Fire Chief Questions Role Of ‘Fire-Medics’

Wellington North is concerned about the unknowns surrounding proposed changes by the province to the Ambulance Act and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

The change could see local-trained firefighters known as “fire-medics” providing care for minor injuries at the scene of an accident. It could also result in people with minor injuries being taken to doctors’ offices or medical clinics rather than to hospital emergency departments.

Wellington North Fire Chief Dave Guilbault says he’s working on a response, but at first glance it appears the change would download costs to the municipality.

He’s concerned with the lack of information on issues such as who decides when a person should go to a hospital emergency or doctor’s office.